Been fortunate enough (or unfortunate depending on which way you look at it) to play with Ali Mallu many times in the casinos around the North West. Even though i don't play that much live whenever i do pay a visit to the circus or the like when he is in attendance he will always spare five minutes to say hello and have a chat. On the table however he's a right pain in the @r$s (in the nicest possible way) as more often than not you have no idea where you stand with him. Playing in a pot with him during the £50 re-buy a week or so before my trip to Vegas i was involved in a pot with him holding K-Q suited on a K-6-8 rainbow flop. All the money ends up in the middle and it turns out he'd slow played AA - "Aces, your not supposed to have aces...." was my remark but fortunately the dealer gave me another K on the river and i ultimately went on to win the tourney.
I've heard many say (and have thought myself once or twice) that he would win more than he does if he didn't have the occasional kamikaze moment and lose half his stack on an outrageous play when there didn't appear to be any need for it - but then its the same controlled kamikaze playing style that gets him in to so many winning positions and why he is such a difficult opponent at the table. If he changes the way he plays then he probably doesn't get into those positions anywhere near as much. To be honest i wouldn't want it to change as its the prospect of differing challenges on the green felt that make the game of poker what it is and why i keep returning week after week in my quest to become the best!!
Nice article Mr. End squire
Author